College Football 2011: The Best-Kept Secret from Every BCS Team

Less then two months away from the start of the college football season, teams will soon begin their summer workouts and then start to turn their attention to their week one opponent.

While certain stars and playmakers standout on different teams, other players may be returning from injury, may be overshadowed by another star or are finally ready to have their breakthrough season.

Here is a look at who those players could be on every BCS team's roster.

Florida State: EJ Manuel

With Christian Ponder now in the NFL, the Florida State Seminoles will turn to E.J. Manuel to led a highly talented squad.

Manuel has a strong arm and always will have a defense on edge with his ability to tuck the ball and run.

Maryland: Davin Maggett

The impressive part about Davin Maggett last year was he was able to rush for 720 yards, which was a career best, without making one start.

In 2011, the Terps will turn to Maggett as their starter and hope that he can elevate his play with the increased amount of carries he will receive.

NC State: George Bryan

No Russell Wilson means that the pressure will fall on other offensive players to help pick up the slack. George Bryan is an amazing talent at tight end. Bryan will be a target that is heavily relied on by whoever takes over at quarterback for the wolf pack.

Boston College: Donnie Fletcher

In the Boston College secondary, Donnie Fletcher leads the group and should be one of the best corners in the ACC.

Last year, Fletcher put up five interceptions to lead the way and is hoping to improve on that as a senior.

Clemson: Andre Branch

With one year left at Clemson, Andre Branch could end up being the star on the Tigers defensive line this year.

Branch has good speed and strength and if he is able to play up to his potential, he will be difficult for offenses to stop off of the edge.

Wake Forest: Kyle Wilber

On a team that needs a spark in 2011, Kyle Wilber may be the player that can provide that for Wake Forest. Wilber has moved from defensive end to linebacker which is a huge help and will put him in position to make big plays.

Virginia Tech: Jarrett Boykin

While trying to develop a new quarterback and running back, the Hokies can lean on the experience and skill of wide receiver Jarrett Boykin.

Boykin is a big receiver that will likely have the size advantage on most corners. He will be a big target that Logan Thomas can lean on early in the season.

Miami: Travis Benjamin

With the uncertainty at quarterback, the Hurricanes offense will need a jump in production from Travis Benjamin. Over his career, Benjamin has averaged over 15 yards per reception.

As a senior, Benjamin will be leaned on especially considering he is the only returning starter at the wide receiver position.

Georgia Tech: Jason Peters

Coming off the end for the Yellow Jackets will be senior Jason Peters. Peters is a big man that can get moving very quickly. He provides speed and strength on the end of the line and will help make the rest of the defense better.

North Carolina: Tydreke Powell

During the 2011 season, the main focus when facing North Carolina's defense will be Quinton Coples. The attention that he will receive will allow for defensive tackle Tydreke Powell to have plenty of one on one opportunities.

With the opportunities that Powell will see, look for his sacks and tackles for loss to increase significantly from 2010.

Duke: Cooper Helfet

While the talent is not overwhelming at Duke, one bright spot may be the play of tight end Cooper Helfet. Helfet is able to contribute both in the running game as well as the passing game and will be a key contributor to the Duke offense.

Virginia: Perry Jones

With a new starting quarterback, the Virginia offense will be turning to Perry Jones to help carry the load. In 2010, Jones put up over 1,000 all purpose yards and in order for the Cavaliers offense to have success, he will need to do even more in 2011.

Nebraska: Rex Burkhead

The clear focus of the Nebraska offense will by Taylor Martinez. This focus allows Rex Burkhead to slip under the radar and will continue to be effective as a running back and receiver.

In 2010, Burkhead had over 1,000 all-purpose yards and will look to repeat that effort in 2011.

Ohio State: Jordan Hall

With all of the changes that have gone on at Ohio State, the Buckeyes will need to replace Terrelle Pryor and will go a portion of the season without Dan Herron. With the loss of Herron, the Buckeyes will lean on a stable of backs including Jordan Hall.

In his limited attempts, Hall averaged over four yards per carry and will need to help lead this team through a difficult season.

Michigan: Vincent Smith

When you look at the Michigan football program, you immediately know that Denard Robinson will help keep them in every game that they play. What will help make Robinson's job easier is the running ability of Vincent Smith.

Last year, Smith had over 600 yards in an offense dominated by Robinson. If the Wolverines can help get the focus off of Robinson, it will be a much better season.

Michigan State: Kirk Cousins

While Kirk Cousins isn't your typical best kept secret, he does not receive the attention he clearly deserves.

In 2010, Cousins helped lead Michigan State to a share of the Big 10 title and in 2011, they are one of the favorites to win the conference. If Cousins has a repeat performance of 2010, people around the nation will be well aware of him.

Iowa: Marcus Coker

If what Marcus Coker did in Iowa's 2010 bowl game is any indication of what is to come in 2011, Hawkeyes fans have to be licking their chops at the potential this sophomore has.

After playing six regular season games, Coker exploded in the Insight Bowl, rushing for 219 yards against Missouri.

Indiana: Demarlo Belcher

Now that Ben Chappell has left the Indiana offense, all eyes will turn to standout receiver Demarlo Belcher. In 2010, Belcher had over 800 yards receiving.

As you look at the skill positions on the Hosiers offense, Belcher is the only returning starter and will have to help this young offense develop.

Illinois: A.J. Jenkins

After a season that saw him catch seven touchdowns and had over 700 yards receiving, A.J. Jenkins will be ready to go to a new level in 2011.

While Illinois may struggle in the new Big 10, Jenkins should be a bright spot in another rough season.

Penn State: Silas Redd

With the offense still having many question marks, Penn State will be looking to replace Evan Royster. Silas Redd will be stepping into the starting lineup and should help ease the burden on whoever starts at quarterback.

Minnesota: Duane Bennett

Minnesota will be looking for a bright spot in 2011 and that bright spot may end up being senior running back Duane Bennett.

In 2010, Bennett rushed for only 529 yards but is ready to put up bigger numbers in the 2011 season.

Northwestern: Brian Peters

Patrolling the secondary for Northwestern is senior safety Brian Peters. Peters is a leader on the Wildcats defense and is a player that is consistently relied on. 2011 should be another solid season for peters.

Wisconsin: Nick Toon

With the recent addition of Russell Wilson, Nick Toon may turn into one of the best receivers in the Big 10 now that he has a quarterback that can consistently deliver him the ball.

Wisconsin has a great running game that will certainly open up opportunities in the passing game all year long.

Purdue: Dwayne Beckford

In the middle of the Purdue defense stands Dwayne Beckford. Beckford is a physical force that has a ton of potential.

Coming into his junior season, it is time for that potential to turn into production. If Beckford can live up to that standard, they will have a true impact player at linebacker.

Missouri: Michael Egnew

For the Missouri Tigers, Michael Egnew is the biggest target on the field. Egnew is strong and has the speed to get open. Not only is he able to contribute in the passing game but he is also a reliable blocker in the running game.

Oklahoma: Roy Finch

In 2011, the nations eyes will be on the Sooners offense. People will focus in on Landry Jones and the explosive passing game.

Roy Finch will be a key part to this offense. Taking the carries at running back, Finch will help keep the defense honest with his speed and vision.

Oklahoma State: Joseph Randle

So much of the attention when facing the Oklahoma State offense will be placed on the passing game and covering Justin Blackmon that speedy running back, Joseph Randle should will be able to have some opportunities.

Odds are, defenses will be sitting back and not stacking the box with the big play abilities of Blackmon. If Randle can take advantage of this, the Cowboy offense will be hard to stop.

Texas: Jackson Jeffcoat

For a unit that needs to step up and find increased production, Texas will turn to Jackson Jeffcoat to help out.

While missing significant time in 2010, Jeffcoat will be ready for 2011 and could prove to be one of the best ends in the Big 12.

Texas Tech: Tre Porter

With only being a sophomore, Tre Porter may still be flying under the radar but that will not last for long. As one of the starting corners in the Red Raiders defense, Porter has great ability and will now look to just gain more experience. Teams should be careful when throwing his way.

Texas A&M: Jeff Fuller

While Jeff Fuller was an All-Big 12 player last year, he may be the nations best kept secret at wide receiver. Since other receivers like Justin Blackmon had such a standout year in 2010, Fuller was able to fly under the radar.

Once the season hits the midway point, Fuller will no longer enjoy the luxury of being under the radar as the entire conference will be well aware of his talent.

Kansas State: Chris Harper

Chris Harper is a man of many talents. While playing primarily at wide receiver, Harper has shown the ability to be used not only in the running game but also in the passing game at quarterback.

In 2011, Harper hopes that all of his talents will be on display for the Big 12.

Kansas: James Sims

James Sims is an effective runner who should help the Kansas offense in 2011. While he is not a burner who can take it the distance at any moment, Sims is steady and will help wear down opposing defenses.

Iowa State: Jake Knott

Coming into his second year as a starter, Jake Knott has All-Big 12 written all over him. In 2010, Knott put up over 100 tackles and hauled in four interceptions.

At the rate that Knott is progressing, 2011 will be a career year for the junior linebacker.

Baylor: Tevin Elliott

When talking about the Baylor football program, the conversation will naturally flow to starting quarterback Robert Griffin. While Griffin is an outstanding talent, everyone in football knows the talents he has.

On the other side of the ball, Tevin Elliott is in his second year and will be a handful to handle off the edge. If Elliott can take a step forward in 2011, he could be a dark horse to make the All Big 12 team.

Oregon: Josh Huff

After his first year on campus, Josh Huff will be looking to improve on what he started in 2010. With the loss of Jeff Maehl and D.J. Davis, Huff will be needed in the passing game.

During 2011, Huff missed most of spring practice and the game due to a knee injury and is currently flying under the radar coming into the season.

Utah: Star Lotulelei

Utah has a very talented linebacking core and this will prove to be an advantage for their defensive line. Amoung those who should benefit is Star Lotulelei.

Lotulelei saw limited action in 2010 but will be in the starting lineup for the Utes. Look for this big defensive tackle to make some big plays in Utah's first season in the Pac-12.

Colorado: Tyler Hansen

During his first three seasons at Colorado, Tyler Hansen has seen the field and received playing time. As he enters the 2011, Hansen has been the starter.

When going up against the Colorado offense, defenses will be ready for Rodney Stewart which should leave plenty of opportunities for Hansen.

Arizona: Dan Buckner

The transfer of Dan Buckner from Texas to Arizona may prove to be bigger then once believed. Originally, Buckner was seen as a solid secondary target opposite of Juron Criner. Now, with rumors flying that Criner has suffered a season ending injury, Buckner may be elevated into the top spot.

Arizona State: Junior Onyeali

2011 is suppose to be the season that Arizona State gets back to being dominate and will have a shot at winning the Pac-12 South. One reason people are so confident in them in their defense.

Junior Onyeali is going to be a big part of that defense this year and may be able to become a household name.

Washington: Keith Price

2010 showed Washington fans that Keith Price has the talent to replace Jake Locker. Price is a dual-threat quarterback that at times showed flashes of greatness but lacked the consistency needed at quarterback.

It appears that Price has won the job and will be the Huskies starting quarterback but he will need to prove that he has the ability to lead the offense on a consistent basis or Nick Montana may take over.

UCLA: Sean Westgate

For a team that desperately needs to improve from 2010, Sean Westgate hopes to provide UCLA with some playmaking ability from the linebacker position.

Westgate was the ability to chase the play from sideline to sideline and will be a dark horse candidate to be named to the All Pac-12 team.

USC: Christian Tupou

In 2010, Christian Tupou missed the entire season with an injury but is looking forward to the ability to reintroduce himself to the newly formed Pac-12.

Tupou will be a key piece to the defensive line and helping USC rebuild a solid defense.

Oregon State: Ryan Katz

In 2010, Ryan Katz took his lumps and is coming back for his junior season. If Katz can stay healthy and get the same from returning wide receiver James Rodgers, he could have a breakout season for the Beavers.

Stanford: Stepfan Taylor

Its not often that a back who rushed for 1137 yards is overlooked but when you play with Andrew Luck it is a very real situation for Stepfan Taylor.

Luck will more then gladly sing the backs praises and understands that his ability to find the whole and keep defenses off balance is the reason that he is so effective in the passing game.

Cal: Marvin Jones

Cal's offense struggled in 2010 and with a new starting quarterback, they will need other players to emerge and help make this offense more dangerous.

New starter Zach Maynard should be able to turn to wide receiver Marvin Jones, who has the ability to make big plays but just needs to become more consistent in the Cal offense.

Washington State: Jeff Tuel

Very quietly up in the Northwest, Jeff Tuel has become a solid quarterback and is entering his junior season as the leader of Washington State.

While the record does not reflect the strides that this program has made, Tuel will be giving defenses problems throughout the 2011 season as the Cougars continue to improve.

Connecticut: Jesse Joseph

One player on the Connecticut defense that will be in for a big year is Jesse Joseph. On the line, most offenses will have their hands full with Kendall Reyes which will provide an opening for Joseph to make some big plays.

West Virginia: Bruce Irvin

Bruce Irvin has the chance to catch the Big East off guard after not making a start in 2010. Come 2011, Irvin will be starting on the defensive line and with the increased snaps should come increased opportunities.

Pittsburgh: Mike Shanahan

In the offseason, the Pittsburgh offense took some major hits and will be looking to players like Mike Shanahan to help lead the way.

Shanahan is a tall receiver that has the ability to make big plays. The Panthers will need him to step up in order to help quarterback Tino Sunseri.

Syracuse: Phillip Thomas

Coming into his junior season, Phillip Thomas returns as the starting safety for Syracuse. Thomas has great instincts and could end the year on some people All-Big East teams.

South Florida: DeDe Lattimore

After starting as a freshman, DeDe Lattimore returns for his second year at South Florida and the team has aspirations of making a run at a conference title.

If Lattimore can help compensate for some of the losses on the defensive line, he could be up for All Conference awards.

Louisville: Daniel Brown

After losing Brandon Heath, Louisville will be looking for one of the linebackers to step forward and take ownership of this defense. Daniel Brown has the ability to be that player and will rely on his ability to go sideline to sideline to help this defense.

Cincinnati: Derek Wolfe

If Cincinnati is too have any success in 2011, it will be in large part due to their defense. Up front, the Bearcats are strong across then line and specifically Derek Wolfe could be in for a outstanding senior season.

With his size and speed, Wolfe will be difficult to block and may be one of the more underrated lineman in the nation.

Rutgers: Joe Martinek

While their is plenty of talent in the passing game, Rutgers needs to improve in the rushing department as they had one of the worst averages in the nation.

Joe Martinek will be switching positions and going to fullback in order to help the rushing game get going. This move could prove to be a valuable switch for Rutgers.

South Carolina: Devin Taylor

Much like last year, the clear focus and attention will be on the offensive side on the ball. While the offensive stars are well known, Devin Taylor will help lead the Gamecocks defense.

If Taylor and the rest of the defensive line are able to put enough pressure on the opposing offense, the defense may be able to take a step forward.

Georgia: Isaiah Crowell

Rare that a true freshman is ready to make an impact but Isaiah Crowell is a player that can step off the field in high school and make an impact in the college landscape.

Crowell will be able to compete for the starting position and by the midway point of the season could be starting.

Vanderbilt: Chris Marve

When watching Vanderbilt play, it is hard not to notice Chris Marve on the defensive side of the ball. Marve swarms to the ball and is able to defend from sideline to sideline.

In his senior season, Marve will be getting the attention of his conference and the nation with his defensive abilities.

Kentucky: Winston Guy

Senior safety Winston Guy will be patrolling the Kentucky secondary again this year and hopes to have a breakout season.

During the second half of the 2010 season, Guy took his play to a new level, setting himself up for an outstanding 2011 season.

Tennessee: Tyler Bray

When the team was finally turned over to freshman Tyler Bray, Tennessee put together a great end to their season going 4-1.

Over the course of his five starts, Bray threw for 16 touchdowns and could help turn the Vols around in 2011.

Florida: Chris Rainey

Chris Rainey takes over as the main back in the Florida backfield and will be needed early and often. After a rough year at starter, John Brantley could use help from Rainey to help loosen up the defense.

If Rainey is able to be effective in the Florida offense, the Gators will be back to competing for the SEC title.

Arkansas: Joe Adams

Like some of the other players on this list, Joe Adams spent most of his time at Arkansas by being overshadowed by Ryan Mallett.

With Mallett now in the NFL, Adams will be key to helping the Razorbacks stay on track. After hauling in over 800 yards and 6 touchdowns in 2010, Adams will have to get on the same page with new quarterback Tyler Wilson quickly.

Auburn: Michael Dyer

Its not often that a back can rush for over 1,000 yards in their first season and be overshadowed on their own team and by another freshman back in their conference.

Michael Dyer found himself having a great year but with Cam Newton on his team, the focus was all on Cam. At the same time, South Carolina's Marcus Lattimore grabbed the nations attention with his first season.

In 2011, Dyer will show people what they missed out on while focusing in on Cam Newton.

Alabama: Trent Richardson

Now that Mark Ingram is in the NFL, fans will get a bigger dose of Trent Richardson. Despite getting limited carries the past two years, Richardson was able to put up 700 yards in back to back seasons and will get over the 1,000 yard mark in 2011.

Ole Miss: Tyler Campbell

Punters are rarely paid attention to but people should know about Tyler Campbell. Campbell is the best punter in the nation and that is a huge advantage for the Rebels. With his ability to consistently change field position, Ole Miss can count on him to get the offense out of trouble.

Mississippi State: Jonathan Banks

Playing under a new defensive coordinator, Jonathan Banks may turn some heads in 2011. Banks plays corner for the Bulldogs and is ready for a breakout season.

In 2010, Banks had three picks and got stronger as the year ended. That momentum will get carried into 2011.

LSU: Spencer Ware

New to the LSU starting lineup is Spencer Ware. Ware will be running behind a terrific offensive line and could prove to be key to LSU's success.

If Ware is able to run effectively and take the pressure off of Jordan Jefferson, LSU could be in for a great season.